The International Criminal Court (ICC) has declared that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is responsible for crimes committed during his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
According to ICC Prosecutor Karim Ahmad Khan, judges have determined that sufficient evidence exists linking Duterte to acts of murder. These alleged crimes date back to his tenure as the founder and head of the Davao Death Squad, his time as mayor of Davao City, and his subsequent presidency.
The ruling marks a significant step in the ICC’s ongoing investigation into alleged human rights violations under Duterte’s leadership. The court’s findings could pave the way for a formal arrest warrant, further escalating the international legal pressure on the former president and his allies.
Duterte has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, dismissing the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines. The Philippine government previously withdrew from the ICC in 2019, but the court maintains it has the authority to investigate crimes committed while the country was still a member.
The ICC’s latest announcement is expected to stir both domestic and international reactions, with human rights advocates calling for accountability and Duterte’s supporters rejecting the court’s authority.
